OROVILLE — A man has pleaded not guilty to charges of fatally shooting a driver returning to work on Highway 32 in Chico early on Sept. 21.

Wednesday in Butte County Superior Court, Jeffrey James Menzies, 27, entered the plea for one count of first-degree murder with the special circumstance that he was lying in wait, according to supervising deputy district attorney Mark Murphy.

Menzies also faces the allegation he used a rifle causing death.

Police have alleged Menzies hid in the raised grassy area southwest of the Highway 32 intersection with Bruce Road and used a rifle to shoot David Yang, 26, while the victim was in his car.

Menzies” vehicle was found nearby with shotgun shells in the back seat. Officials later found a rifle they believe may have been used in the shooting.

Chico police arrested Menzies hours after the shooting when he went to the station to report his vehicle missing. If convicted of the charge and allegations, the defendant could be sentenced to death or life in prison without possibility of parole.

A preliminary hearing has been set for Nov. 2. During that hearing, a judge will determine if there is sufficient evidence to hold Menzies for trial on the charges. Menzies remains in custody with no bail.